Search - Story of David (1976) on DVD

Epic TV Drama

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 06/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
This 1976 TV telling of the biblical epic life of King David is in 2 parts. It starts out lukewarm in the first part, but redeems itself in the second half, making for some very interesting viewing, especially for those of us who love the Bible stories in film. The acting ranges from good to excellent, it has a atmospheric score by Laurence Rosenthal, some nice touches from the art department, and for the most part, even though it sometimes condenses/changes some of the situations, remains fairly faithful to Scripture, and many of the psalms are read or sung.

Part 1 is about the young David, and his relationship with King Saul, and ends at Saul's death, with David being named king. Part 2 starts with the mature David, and ends with his son Solomon being anointed as king. One would think that this epic story could never be boring, but Part 1 has sections that are tedious at best, and drag what would have been a 5 star TV film down to 4 stars, despite the cast, which has Timothy Bottoms as the young David, Anthony Quayle wonderful as King Saul, and Norman Rodway effective as a hyper Joab, leaping about like a small mountain goat.

Part 2 has Keith Michell as the mature King David, in a performance that has flashes of brilliance and is always highly entertaining, and Brian Blessed shines in several scenes as Abner. Jane Seymour is a gorgeous Bathsheba, and she shares palpable chemistry with Michell. Also good is Susan Hampshire as a very blond Michal. There is an abundance of blue eyes in this film, but then most of the actors seem to be British. Directed by David Lowell Rich and Alex Segal, and written by Ernest Kinoy (the 2nd half particularly well written), this is well worth watching, but you may need some fortitude to get through Part 1. Highly recommended for further viewing of this story is the TV Bible Collection "David" starring Nathaniel Parker, Leonard Nimoy, and Jonathan Pryce."

Story of David

Henry G. Obermayer | USA | 06/22/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Fine acting, but disappointed in the movie time allotted to the sin of David, committing adultery with Bathsheba. The second part of the movie does not flow from the first part, nor is the story line as well done, in faithfulness to scripture.
Not one to show the Bible Class."

Well presented biblically accurate

Extinction | New Mexico | 01/30/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie begins with Sol. Though the movie was long it gave a chance to understand the character of David. The characters actions of David, and those around him were presented according to biblical history. This movie gave just enough time to present those around David, to see an intent as would be discribed by catholic literature. There was a change of acuiring the prophet for Sol, which I think could have been introduced as it was written. But you cant help focusing on what David went through as he plotted, planed, and humbled himself with the calling God gave him. This movie brought David to the viewer and meaning for the other people in his life. This movie is long because it gave substance to the people around David. Well produced movie for that. Directed well as the people around David were accurately protrayed with there intentions from bibical history."